In Texas, the 89th Legislature's regular session has begun, running from January 14 to June 2, 2025. The session kicked off with the election of Republican state Rep. Dustin Burrows as the new speaker of the Texas House, a move that has sparked criticism and potential censures within the GOP[1][5].

The state's economy has shown modest growth, with moderate gains in services revenue and a resumption of retail sales increases, according to the Dallas Fed Texas Business Outlook Surveys. However, job growth has slowed, and home sales and energy activity are flat[2].

Environmental concerns are also on the rise, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley, where a La Nina event is expected to bring warmer and drier conditions through March. This could exacerbate drought and increase wildfire risks, with the National Interagency Fire Center indicating an "Above Normal Potential" for wildfires in the region[3].

On the national stage, President-elect Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated, with Texans watching closely for potential policy changes that could impact the state. Trump has vowed to issue an executive order to postpone the divest-or-ban law affecting TikTok, and his administration's plans for immigration and trade policies are expected to have significant implications for Texas[4].

Looking Ahead:
- The Texas Legislature will continue to debate key issues such as school vouchers, property taxes, and water supply improvements.
- The potential censures of Burrows supporters by the Republican Party of Texas could lead to legal challenges and further party infighting.
- The ongoing drought and wildfire risks in the Rio Grande Valley will require close monitoring and potential emergency responses.
- The Trump administration's policies on immigration and trade will likely have significant impacts on Texas, particularly in border regions and industries reliant on international trade.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI